Statement about plans for The Green care home

Councillor Rebecca Charlwood, Leeds City Council executive member for health, wellbeing and adults said:

“The future for The Green has been subject of a lot of interest and concern for many people and recent council decisions and discussions have recognised this – which is why we have involved and listened to key stakeholders such as ward councillors Graham Hyde, Catherine Dobson and Brian Selby as well as local MP Richard Burgon and families during this sensitive process. Last year a commitment was made, that Leeds City Council would strive to ensure The Green remained in use to serve the local community and by working closely with the NHS, the council intends to ensure this happens. Moreover, by keeping the service within the Council, this provides an opportunity to protect council jobs.

“This is a significant response by the council to the current pressures on health and care services in the city and comes at a time when the council faces a significant challenge to deal with increasing demand on services while having reduced central government support. In spite of these pressures, we are working closely with partners across these sectors to continue to improve the services people have and we will continue to engage with service users and their families, experts and use evidence from what has worked well elsewhere to develop the care we provide.

“Over the coming months it is planned that the NHS will work with the council to ensure the facility can make a transition to having 37 beds for intermediate care and recovery support. This will help people who need support as they leave hospital, or who need short term help. This is part of a citywide improvement in delivering care for those unable to move straight from hospital back home.

“We know that people can find changes to care provision difficult to deal with and we understand this. We have a strong track record of supporting people well when changing their care and restate our promise that people will be supported to find and be offered a place at equal or better quality. Residents and families will be provided with all the support they need to ensure a successful move.”